Ranil fires salvo in P’ment on satellite launch

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe brought the controversial satellite launch to the limelight yesterday in Parliament, making a statement in par with Standing Order 23 (2), and seeks a full statement from the Government.

According to the Opposition Leader, the launch of Supreme SAT-1 took place on 27 November 2012 and was the first from Sri Lanka, as reported in the local media. “On the other hand, foreign media announced that China launched China Sat 12 Communication Satellite into orbit. This is Apstar 7B, a backup satellite for Apstar 7, which was successfully launched thereby making 7B redundant.

“Furthermore, SupremeSAT Ltd., a BOI company, has entered into a partnership agreement with China Great Wall Industry Corporation to co-brand this satellite as Supreme SAT- 1. Outer space is free for the use of all states in accordance with international law. The Constitution of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) makes provision for the allocation of satellite orbit slots to be registered with the ITU.  

“Sri Lanka too is entitled to such slots. The media does not specify whether China SAT 12 is utilising a slot allocated to China or Sri Lanka,” said Opposition Leader Wickremesinghe, seeking Government clarification on the following questions:

What are the satellite orbital slots allocated to Sri Lanka and how are they utilised?

Is China SAT 12 utilising a slot belonging to Sri Lanka or another country?

Was a transparent system followed in selecting a party for the Sri Lankan satellite project?

What is the total cost for Supreme SAT-1 and how will it be recovered?

Who are the shareholders of SupremeSAT Ltd. and their background and their investment?

Who are the directors of SupremeSAT Ltd.?

What are the future plans of SupremeSAT that are known to the Government?

Who are the users of the other transponders in China SAT 12?

Who are the partners of SupremeSAT Ltd. in this venture?

Will the Government table copies of the following agreements between:

BOI and SupremeSAT Ltd.

China Great Wall Industry Corporation and SupremeSAT Ltd.

Government of Sri Lanka and SupremeSAT Ltd.

The project proposal and similar documents submitted by SupremeSAT Ltd., to the BOI.

Minister of Water Supply and Drainage and Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardena agreed to respond on 8 December 2012.